Train Show to Benefit Local Museum

HICKORY, NC (April 5, 2018) - The 16th Annual NC Railroad Expo will be held Saturday, April 7, at the Hickory Metro Convention Center adjacent to Exit 125 and Interstate 40. Approximately 275 tables full of railroad lanterns, timetables, books, and models of all scales will be available.

Admission is only $5 for adults. Children under the age of twelve are admitted free. Show hours are from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. The show is sponsored by the Alexander Chapter of the National Railway Historical Association and all proceeds from the show will benefit the SE Narrow Gauge & Shortline Museum located at the Newton Depot.

Lindsay Robins, museum coordinator of the Newton Depot, said, “The railroading hobby is one of the most popular pastimes in the world and our club is pleased to be able to bring it back to Western North Carolina on a yearly basis. We had over 1,500 people through the gate last year, and all of the comments were very positive. Most importantly, admission prices are very low so that we can introduce families to the hobby in an affordable manner.”

In addition to vendors selling model trains, books, videos, and memorabilia, there will be five operating layouts from across North Carolina, a restored railroad baggage wagon, and a "Railroad Antiques Roadshow" table where the public can bring railway-related items by and have them appraised by experts in the hobby.

The Alexander Chapter-NRHS was formed in 1979 and is the oldest railroad preservation organization in Western North Carolina. For more information, call 828-527-6520 or visit www.tarheelpress.com/Trainshow.Proceeds from the NC Railroad Expo will go toward restoring rare railroad vehicles such as the 1924 wooden Southern Railway caboose pictured above. Only three such cabooses remain in existence today.